According to the latest annual report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), citing external estimates, global artificial intelligence (AI) investment led by the private sector could exceed $2 trillion this year, making it one of the strongest drivers of economic growth in recent years.

The report notes that AI-related technology investment is estimated to have boosted US GDP growth by 0.5 percentage points in 2025, while the acceleration in US productivity growth in recent years partly reflects the early positive effects of AI adoption.

The report also points out that Asia is playing an important role in this wave of AI investment, with East Asia serving as the core hub for global chip manufacturing and design, while Southeast Asia is leveraging its manufacturing advantages to further elevate its position in the global value chain.

However, the report simultaneously issues a warning that hidden concerns lurk behind the AI investment boom. As the scale of related infrastructure and projects continues to expand, some high-cost investments are increasingly reliant on debt financing. Should future returns fall short of expectations, this could trigger a chain reaction including significant asset valuation adjustments, wealth shrinkage, and corporate layoffs.